So there's this big shift happening with how people think about work these days. Flexibility isn't some fancy extra perk anymore—it's basically expected. And here's the thing: taking breaks doesn't make you less productive. It actually makes you more productive. Wild, right?
What's the Deal with "Sidequests"?
Remember how we used to glorify the whole "rise and grind" mentality? Yeah, turns out that's pretty outdated. The idea that you need to keep pushing through without stopping is basically corporate folklore at this point—science doesn't back it up.
Actually, research says the opposite. A FlexJobs study found that 73% of people say flexible work makes them happier at their jobs. And get this: 76% of workers say flexibility affects whether they'll even stick around at a company. Remote work, hybrid schedules, and being able to adjust your day? That's the new normal.
Enter "sidequests"—a term borrowed from video games. You know those little side adventures in games that aren't required but are fun to do? Same concept. We're talking about quick, spontaneous breaks during your workday that help you recharge and stay creative. Think of them as mini-adventures that keep you sane.
Ryan Starks from Rising Team puts it well: people are realizing that doing something personally meaningful during the day actually helps you work better. It's about autonomy and purpose, which are huge for keeping people motivated and happy at their jobs.
What Do Sidequests Look Like?
They're pretty simple, honestly:
- Taking a quick walk
- Doing something creative for a few minutes
- Working on a hobby
- Learning something new
- Even just stepping away from your screen and being present for a moment
The research backs this up too. When employees take these microbreaks, they're more engaged for the rest of the day and less exhausted by the end of it. Companies that let people manage their own energy throughout the day? They're the smart ones.
Starks' team does all kinds of stuff—experimenting with AI art, going trail running, taking Japanese lessons. Whatever works for them.
Kara Ayers from Xplor Technologies talks about how her company has leaned into this. They encourage people to lead lunch sessions, join diversity councils, contribute to podcasts—basically giving people room to explore beyond their core job. She's seen it help people grow and even switch into totally new roles.
How to Actually Do This
Doug Staneart from The Leadership Institute has some practical ideas for working sidequests into your day:
Set aside micro-flex time. Block out 30-60 minutes mid-day for whatever recharges you—a walk, doodling, trying out a new app.
Make time for learning. Listen to a podcast, take a quick online course, watch a TED talk. Turn your curiosity into something useful.
Take wellness breaks. Do some quick yoga, practice mindfulness, stretch it out. Small stuff that makes a big difference.
Make it fun. Try mini challenges—quick brainstorming sessions, innovation games, friendly competitions. Makes breaks feel less like breaks and more like... well, fun.
Leaders should do it too. When bosses take coffee walks or journal or chat with other teams, it gives everyone else permission to do the same.
Try weekly themes. Mindful Monday, Tech Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday—you get the idea. Keeps things fresh and gives structure to your breaks.
The Bottom Line
Here's the truth: constant pressure doesn't help anyone. It stresses you out and disconnects you from everything. If you've been stuck in back-to-back Zoom meetings all day, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
But you don't need to run yourself into the ground to be good at your job. Science actually shows that when you rest and relax, you do better work. I know, I know—when you're slammed with deadlines, taking 10-15 minutes for a break feels impossible.
But try it. Notice the difference between when you take a sidequest versus when you just power through. You'll feel it.
Companies that get this—that embrace flexible work and encourage these little reset moments—they have happier employees who stick around longer and do better work. These breaks boost your focus, creativity, and help you handle stress better. When companies show they trust you, that bond gets stronger.
So next time you're tempted to skip a break, try taking just five minutes. Notice how your focus, energy, and productivity change. Keep doing it, and you'll feel less tense, more relaxed, and way more satisfied with your work.
Sidequests might just be the key to making work actually work for humans instead of the other way around.